Fair Use disclaimer

All music presented on this site is shared under the premise of "fair use"; this site is solely intended for the purpose of education and critique. If you are a rights holder to any of the music presented and wish for it to be removed, simply contact me directly and it will be taken down.

Friday, December 27, 2013

THE "5" ROYALES - THEY DON'T KNOW

Hailing from Winston-Salem, NC, The "5" Royales were a VERY important group in the evolution of soul music- their recorded output in the 1950's combined their gospel roots into secular R&B, much in the same way that Ray Charles (more famously) did as well. James Brown acknowledged his debt to the influence of The "5" Royales, going so far as to say he modelled his own Famous Flames on the group, and also recording their song "Think" several times.

The group released a few gospel records in the early 50's as The Royal Sons, but by 1952 they began recording secular music and changed their name to The "5" Royales and continued with more or less the same lineup until 1965. This smouldering hot R&B side was released twice- first on VJ Records in 1961, then again on the Home Of The Blues label in 1962 (the same recording was used for both).

from 1962...

THE "5" ROYALES - THEY DON'T KNOW

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

THE MONKEES - CHRISTMAS IS MY TIME OF YEAR b/w WHITE CHRISTMAS

Christmas arrived early this year, in that I found a copy of this record (that I've been chasing for many years) back last July.

Issued both in 1976 (to the fan club in limited numbers) and again in 1986 (this copy), this single hardly ever turns up for sale because both pressings were so limited, and most people tend to hang onto them. I have no idea where the '86 release was even SOLD, as I was both a Monkees fan and reading Goldmine magazine as a youngster during this era and I never remember seeing it for sale, and certainly have never seen it in any record stores. Perhaps producer Chip Douglas repressed it for the fan club only, I'm simply not sure. I've had both sides of this 45 on a lo-fi bootleg LP for over 20 years, but nothing beats having this copy with the uber-cool picture sleeve showing the fellas in the studio, reunited.

Chip Douglas and (Turtle) Howard Kaylan wrote the song back in 1968, and it was issued as a single by a group calling themselves The Christmas Spirit, which was made up of several Turtles and Linda Ronstadt. While the song was revisited for The Monkees version, it was completely re-arranged in a far superior way for their track, which is pure magic.

The group was unable to use the name Monkees due to legal restrictions, so the record was cleverly released as We Three Monkees. Michael Nesmith chose not to participate, but the rumor mill claims that it's none other than Nez playing pedal steel guitar on both sides. Micky and Davy take turns on the lead vocal, which is heartfelt and lovely, and the song itself is a wonderful thing. What's in the grooves makes it obvious that everyone involved was having a ball when they made the record. Davy takes the lead for a very moving, country flavored version of "White Christmas" on the flip side, which shows how this man could croon with the best of them and how missed he is.

The words written on the back of the picture sleeve, "An expression of friendship and togetherness to make the holidays a little brighter for all of us" couldn't be more spot on.

Whatever it is that you celebrate, I wish you peace, love, and happiness today, tomorrow and everyday.

from 1976...

THE MONKEES - CHRISTMAS IS MY TIME OF YEAR

b/w WHITE CHRISTMAS



Saturday, December 21, 2013

BETTY LLOYD - SNOWFLAKES


(Originally posted 12/24/11)

One of the prettiest, yet little known soul Christmas singles.

I'm not sure if this Betty Lloyd is the same singer who was a member of the east coast girl group The Percells; Thomas Records  was a Chicago label, and this track certainly has an indelible Chicago stamp on it.

The lyrics brilliantly capture the feeling of being alone at Christmas, but without self pity. Oozing with quality, this song should be a holiday standard.

from 1969...

BETTY LLOYD - SNOWFLAKES

Thursday, December 19, 2013

SATURDAY'S CHILDREN - CHRISTMAS SOUNDS b/w DECK FIVE

(originally posted 12/10)

While I don't generally pick favorites, as each year passes this record has gotten deeper and deeper into my soul, and I could probably say that it's my favorite rock n roll Christmas single.

One area that wasn't explored very deeply by US garage bands was the Christmas record; however, Chicago's Saturday's Children were way too sophisticated to be called a garage band.

Here, the band (deeply influenced by the Beatles) melds "Deck The Halls" with Dave Brubeck's jazz standard "Take Five' and turns it into a jazzy, quasi-psychedelic number that I almost guarantee will bring on some holiday cheer. This group had an incredible knack for harmonies, and tackle the tricky 5/4 time signature with ease making for the most hypnotic Christmas record I've ever heard. The other side ("Christmas Sounds") is an exceptional holiday original showcasing their excellent group harmonies and songwriting skill.

I also put together a holiday 'mixtape' this year for Aquarium Drunkard- check it out here!

from 1966...

SATURDAY'S CHILDREN - CHRISTMAS SOUNDS

b/w DECK FIVE

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

JOHNNY MOORE - CALL IT WHAT YOU WANNA (I CALL IT LOVE)

Chicago vocalist Johnny Moore had a powerful, appealing voice and released several great records. For whatever reason, his records charted locally in Chi-town but never made a mark in any other markets. Several of (producer) Jack Daniels' other records were picked up by the then massive Mercury Records family for national distribution, and it's a real head scratcher why they wouldn't have picked up this one.

This excellent track may bear a striking resemblance to The Temptations "(I Know) I'm Losing You", but I certainly don't mind. When a groove hits this hard, it just doesn't matter.

from 1968...

JOHNNY MOORE - CALL IT WHAT YOU WANNA (I CALL IT LOVE)

Saturday, December 14, 2013

CAROLYN FRANKLIN - CHAIN REACTION

Aretha's youngest sister had a chance to WAIL on this record, and in my opinion it's the strongest of all of her solo records (thanks in a big part to the excellent song - written by the great Van McCoy - which is so strong it should have been a hit).

Carolyn's greatest successes were as a songwriter for several Aretha tracks, and she also contributed some superb backing vocals to Aretha records, occasionally with older sister Erma in tow.

Sadly, Carolyn died way too young; she was only 43 when she passed away from breast cancer.

from 1970...

CAROLYN FRANKLIN - CHAIN REACTION


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

THE 3 DEGREES - DRIVIN' ME MAD

 Phew... the close harmonies on this record drive ME mad, in the best possible way!

The 3 Degrees formed in Philadelphia in 1963 and went through a few lineup changes before settling into their hit making mid '70's soul-disco sound. Their early records for Swan feature some of my all-time favorite girl group vocals, and this another Richard Barrett production that takes the Motown blueprint and adds some Philadelphia seasoning to the pot; a recipe which eventually morphed into the very distinctive, string driven (but still rhythmic) Philly soul sound.

from 1966...

THE 3 DEGREES - DRIVIN' ME MAD

Saturday, December 7, 2013

BITS AND PIECES - DID I SCARE YOU

Gorgeous male/ female vocals and a lovely groove highlight this record that seems to be a one off from Bits And Pieces.

If you know any more info about this group, please write!

Yeah, I'm getting much deeper into early to mid '70's soul than I've ever been! With the exception of a few dozen ultra rare '60's 45's that remain on my want list, I think I've exhausted the wellspring of '60's soul sounds (although occasionally I hear something "new" that makes me go hmmmmm)

from 1973...

BITS AND PIECES - DID I SCARE YOU

Monday, December 2, 2013

THE ASCOTS - MISS HEARTBREAKER

The Ascots were a group made up of four singers, three of whom were brothers (Archie, Eddie and Jerome Powell, plus Irving Haywood) from Washington, DC. The group took some serious cues from The Impressions on this record, but the more aggressive style of drumming is pushed to the front of the mix, giving the record a very unique sound.

The harmonies are earthy and gorgeous, and the swinging and propulsive groove are gonna make you feel mighty fine.

from 1964...

THE ASCOTS - MISS HEARTBREAKER

Thursday, November 28, 2013

ARTHUR CONLEY - I'M A LONELY STRANGER b/w WHERE YOU LEAD ME


Georgia born Arthur Conley started recording in 1959 with his group Arthur & The Corvets (whose small handful of singles didn't make much of an impression commercially). In '64, Arthur struck out on his own to cut his solo debut. Otis Redding heard the record and was so impressed that he had Arthur re-record both sides for release on his own Jotis label, which had national distribution.

While it took the Arthur-Otis collaboration two more years to strike gold with the massive "Sweet Soul Music", this brilliant double sider shows that Arthur Conley was equally adept at a deep soul ballad ("I'm A Lonely Stranger") or an uptempo stomper ("Where You Lead Me").

On this day (and every other), I'm most definitely THANKFUL for all those amazing folks (that we celebrate here) who bared their hearts, souls, and talent onto vinyl.

from 1965...

ARTHUR CONLEY -  WHERE YOU LEAD ME

b/w I'M A LONELY STRANGER

Sunday, November 24, 2013

CLAUDE HUEY - STILL LOVE YOU b/w IF YOU"LL BE MY WITNESS

Phew; there's some SERIOUS depth on this record from bay area soul singer Claude Huey. "Still Love You" is a slow burner that takes its time building up in a subtle, understated arrangement, but completely overwhelms the listener with pure soul; a masterful vocal from Mr. Huey. Equally excellent is the groovin' flip side- "If You'll Be My Witness" has a super cool fade in and the kind of bubbling bass line that Bernard Reed was laying down on lots of late 60s-early 70s Chicago soul classics. It's all over in a too-quick 2:02.

The "Osborne" listed as the writer and producer is Jesse Osborne, aka Ozz of Ozz & The Sperlings legend (his "Can You Qualify b/w Daddy Rollin' Stone" is probably my all time fave bay area soul 45). Ozz helped Claude (a lifelong pal) begin a career in music after Claude's time in the Air Force. Claude Huey released 5 singles before calling it quits in 1970 (this was his final release).

from 1970...

CLAUDE HUEY - STILL LOVE YOU

b/w IF YOU"LL BE MY WITNESS

Friday, November 22, 2013

BOBBY HEBB - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Nashville born singer-songwriter Bobby Hebb followed up his smash '66 jazzy soul hit "Sunny" with his cover of the country standard "A Satisfied Mind", interpreted with a dash of soul. Probably not the wisest decision in a commercial sense, and in my opinion the flip side is the TRUE gem. "Love, Love, Love" chugs along with a stomping Motown beat, infectious piano and beautifully optimistic lyrics delivered with true conviction by Bobby. Should'a been the a-side, if you ask me!

from 1966...

BOBBY HEBB - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

BIT OF HONEY - HE'S THE ONE b/w LIVE IN MAID

This record seems to be a one off from this group, and I'm assuming that they were from Atlanta, as producer Calvin Arnold was based in Georgia.

Both sides are excellent! "He's The One" is an uptempo number that, while secular, has a bit of a gospel sound. "Live In Maid" slows the tempo and gets funky, funky, FUNKY! The lead singer (whoever she is) has a very sexy, saucy delivery for super results.

from 1970...

BIT OF HONEY - HE'S THE ONE

b/w LIVE IN MAID

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

I have a new 45 RPM single available for pre-order!

Thanks to the success of the "She Came This Way" 45 (sold out in 3 weeks!), we're doing another  Derek See 45! This time around, he's joined by The Gentle Cycle for a new version of "U Line", backed with "Love Is The Plan". Colored vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

USA orders:



International orders: 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

TSU TORONADOES - YOU'RE MINE b/w BACK AFTER THE NEWS

The TSU Toronadoes have the distinction of being the uncredited as the backing of "Tighten Up" by Archie Bell & The Drells. Their name came from Texas State University, and that veritable road kind sport sedan, the Oldsobile Toronado.

This single (cut and released shortly before "Tighten Up") features a gorgeous soul ballad on the a-side, and a super-groovy instrumental on the flip.

from 1967...

THE TSU TORONADOES - YOU'RE MINE

b/w BACK AFTER THE NEWS

Thursday, November 14, 2013

CYMANDE - THE MESSAGE

Didn't think I'd stay away completely, now didja?

I'm still on a massive high from DJ'ing in Seattle @ The Emerald City Soul Club Weekender, two nights in a row. Met tons of cool folks, many of whom have been digging this site for years. It was a righteous time!!!

Cymnade were a group formed in London, made up of folks hailing from Jamaica, Guyana and Saint Vincent; their name is a calypso term for dove; the symbol of peace. Their music is a lovely mixture of island rhythms and steady grooving funk.

This particular song is what it's all about, to me. TOGETHER is where it's at.

from 1972...

CYMANDE - THE MESSAGE

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Aquarium Drunkard presents... A Derek's Daily 45 Mixtape

Aquarium Drunkard is one of the greatest music blogs out there, and I'm pleased as punch to have put together another downloadable "mixtape" for the site. This time, it's all on the psychedelic-garage-freakbeat tip, and it's guaranteed to light up your next party and cause you to get a speeding ticket if you listen to it in the car.

Check it out HERE

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

October is the end of the road for Daily 45

I started The Daily 45 six years ago (I think it was April of 2007), and over those six years I've featured nearly 2000 45's. It's given me great pleasure to share these sounds with you, and I've made many friends around the world through it, and even connected with some of the artists, songwriters, musicians, and producers of the music who reached out because they were so pleased that someone still enjoyed what they did all those years ago. Very soul satisfying, if I do say so myself!

While there are still a few elusive 45's that are still on my want list (which I'll post up either here or on my youtube page as they come into my collection), I can say that I've featured practically everything I wanna share at this point. Sure, there's hundreds of great singles that have never been featured here, but those are high-profile releases that just about everybody knows anyhow because of their popularity and staying power; I've always steered clear of featuring those.

SO, for the month of October, I'm gonna highlight some of the big ones; namely, my all time favorite 45's, and also post up some artist profiles that will feature several favorite sides from them in one post.

I'd also love to hear from YOU! What are some of your favorites that have been featured? Tell me who you are and where you are, 'cause I'd love to share your words as well.

Although it's not QUITE goodbye at this time, I would like to thank each and every person who has written to thank me for doing this; your words helped me keep on, practically every day, for these last six years. It's been a helluva ride!

Here's some ways to keep in touch:

My youtube channel (subscribe to catch rare music I'll upload there in the future)

Derek See: Guitar, Vocal, DJ on Facebook




Monday, September 30, 2013

HONEY LOVE AND THE LOVE NOTES - WE BELONG TOGETHER

For some inexplicable reason, the final single on Cameo Records (before they moved to the Scepter label) by Philadelphia girl group Candy & The Kisses found them billed as Honey Love and The Love Notes. The song is gorgeous, and I almost wonder if part of the problem with this song not reaching its hit potential was the loss of momentum with a new name.

Candy & The Kisses, made up of sisters Candy & Suzanne Nelson along with friend Jeanette Johnson, seemed destined to break out nationally. Their single 'The 81" (a glorious former 45 of the day) was a smash in their hometown area (Philadelphia). They continued on releasing some more excellent singles for Scepter and Decca, but none of them reached any level of (deserved) success.

from 1965...

HONEY LOVE AND THE LOVE NOTES - WE BELONG TOGETHER

 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

CLARENCE REID - I'M SORRY BABY

Clarence Reid (misspelled as Ried here) was quite possibly THE most important figure on the Miami soul scene that blossomed in the late '60's and became massive throughout the '70's. Although he was very prolific as an artist himself (both on his own and later as Blowfly), Clarence saw far greater success as a brilliant songwriter (Betty Wright's "Clean Up Woman" being a shining example).

Clarence turns in a superb performance here that is wrought with emotion, and the expressive drumming pushes the song into a mini-masterpiece of souther soul.

from 1967...

CLARENCE REID - I'M SORRY BABY

Saturday, September 28, 2013

THE TRUTH - HEY GYP

One piece of info has surfaced about UK group Truth since I last featured a 45 from them back in 2009 (their cover of The Young Rascals "Sueno"); they were a vocal duo (with studio musician backing, most likely Jimmy Page on guitar) made up of Frank Aiello and Steve Jameson.

Here we find the group taking Donovan's amazing early composition "Hey Gyp" and turning it into a freakbeat rave up, dropping the parenthetical "(Dig The Slowness)" from Donovan's original. There's also an American raveup version of "Gyp" by The Soul Survivors that I featured here back in 2007, and The Truth's version predates it by about a year. I'm thinking that The Soul Survivors were definitely influenced by this (obscure) single.

from 1966...

THE TRUTH - HEY GYP




Thursday, September 26, 2013

PATTI DREW - HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF GUYS


Ladies, are you having trouble with the fellas? Let Patti guide the way! This jam rates a SOLID 10 on the cool scale.

Both in her solo career and (earlier) as a member of The Drew-Vels, Patti Drew's lovely voice is heard on nearly two dozen singles before she left the music biz in 1971.

One obvious difference with the music business in the '60's was that labels gave many great artists time to grow and prosper; while Patti only had one major hit (1968's sublime "Workin' On A Groovy Thing') yet Capitol believed in her talent enough to keep her signed to the label for many years. Lucky for us! In my opinion, the downfall of the music industry was completely brought on by their about face which focused more on the quick buck and less on the longevity of artists.

from 1969...

PATTI DREW  - HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF GUYS

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

LITTLE BOB - I CAN'T TAKE IT


(originally posted 6/24/11)

Little Bob (Camille Bob) has been active on the New Orleans music scene for over fifty years!

A few years back I featured his genius boozin' anthem "I Got Loaded", and I have been hot on the trail of this particular 45 for YEARS. Very tricky to find, but I recently scored a copy. It's a lovely rollicking summertime groove that showcases Bob's sweet vocals in the most raw, direct way possible. I love the stripped to the bone sound of this record, straight out of the basement.

from 1966...

LITTLE BOB - I CAN'T TAKE IT

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

CHRIS BERNARD - GOOD HEARTED WOMAN

Coming across like an even rawer Wilson Pickett, Chris Bernard apparently only had one shot to record. I can't find any evidence that he cut any other records. Johnny Cameron was a Chicago based producer, so it's safe to say this is a Chicago record- the band sure sounds like the Brunswick house band (who eventually became Pieces Of Peace) as well.

As was common for the funkier sounds that were developing (under the guidance of James Brown) at the time, the emphasis here is less on a song than the groove; and what a bad ass groove it is, punctuated by some raw emotion from the vocalist.

from 1968...

CHRIS BERNARD - GOOD HEARTED WOMAN


Monday, September 23, 2013

VIVIAN REED - THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Vocalist/ actress Vivian Reed is known far more for her long time career as a Broadway performer (WHAT a voice!), and "The Shape Of Things To Come" is known more for the version by the faux-group Max Frost And The Troopers (as heard in the teen exploitation flick Wild In The Streets).

While the "Max Frost" version is lots of fun, Vivian's take allows the song to truly reach the potential of the lyrics without any irony or cornball factor. Considering the year that it was released (which was full of turmoil, unrest and horrifying assassinations), this version completely levels the original.

from 1968...

VIVIAN REED - THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Sunday, September 22, 2013

ALL THE PEOPLE - WISH I HAD A GIRL LIKE YOU

From Miami, All The People released three 45's, lead singer Robert Moore a few solo sides, and also a few with a group called Miami. All of these records sank without a trace, although one of All The People's other 45's has been sampled several times.

I really dig the easy groovin' sound of this record, the lyrics are clever, and Robert Moore turns in an excellent vocal performance.

from 1972...

ALL THE PEOPLE - WISH I HAD A GIRL LIKE YOU


Friday, September 20, 2013

SIR DOUGLAS - SHE DIGS MY LOVE

Sir Douglas is (of course) the late, great Doug Sahm from Austin, TX. Doug was a musical melting pot who absorbed country music (he was a child prodigy musician), blues, rock n roll, soul, Tejano, and Tex Mex musics, sliced it all up and cooked up a career that was one of the most diverse in the history of music. I'm a massive fan of this man's music and spirit; his love of diversity in music AND people is a guiding light.

By 1967, the original Sir Douglas Quintet had broken up, thanks to an unfortunate pot bust in Texas; Most of the band was landlocked in Texas on probation, but Doug himself split for San Francisco; California became his home base for many years, and was the site for SDQ MK II (the group which scored their second massive hit, "Mendocino' in '68). The freakout guitar intro was undoubtedly influenced by Doug's new home in San Francisco, and the vocal is one of Doug's most upfront and raw.

As for THIS record, I'm guessing that Doug went back to Texas to record with Huey P Meaux one last time; although it's not a quintet record, Augie Meyer's unmistakable organ is present, and the two-step beat (ala "She's About A Mover") was probably also bashed out by Johnny Perez.

This song came on my ipod shuffle play, and I had all but forgotten how great it is; I had to double check my archives to make sure I didn't feature it at some point on this site. I thought I did, back in 2008 or so, but NOPE, it's making its debut here. This is a VERY scarce record, and even though it hardly ever turns up, it's usually quite inexpensive when it does.

from 1967...

SIR DOUGLAS - SHE DIGS MY LOVE

Thursday, September 19, 2013

LITTLE ARCHIE - ALL I HAVE TO DO

Entering into SERIOUS soul stomping territory with this jam...

Little Archie (Himons) only cut two 45's, but his life in music extends far beyond that; he began as a drummer while still a teenager, and eventually made his way to the attention of Dial Records chief Buddy Killen, who saw his potential as a lead singer. Not only did Archie show off a husky vocal style, but he wrote the track as well. Archie has lived around the world, started reggae and blues bands, busked, and apparently now performs acoustic soul in West Virginia (which I'd love to hear).

It's a sad realization at this point to realize that I've just about exhausted all of the records from this era in this style; there's still a FEW wants on my list, but at this point I've just about filled every gap in my collection of records in this style (which happens to be a real favorite kind of sound). Sure, there's more out there, but some of them I could never afford or they just don't move me personally, for whatever reason. It sure has been fun sharing them here, though!

from 1967...

LITTLE ARCHIE - ALL I HAVE TO DO


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

LARRY HOUSTON - I NEED LOVE

What this song lacks in lyrics (they are nearly as simple as a haiku) it more than makes up for that deficiency in its hard hitting groove and the amazing, vibrato laden vocals of Chicagoan Larry Houston. Larry released most of his records on his own, and hasn't been heard from since the early '80's.

from c1975...

LARRY HOUSTON - I NEED LOVE

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

JACKIE LOMAX - (I) FALL INSIDE YOUR EYES

I've had the greatness of Jackie Lomax on my mind practically non-stop for the last 24 hours, and it makes me sad to think that this man was oozing so much talent but (for the most part) went unnoticed during his lifetime.

This gorgeous ballad (covered by Percy Sledge) showcases not only his excellent vocal stylings, but also his songwriting chops. Even though Jackie had a glowing endorsement from the Beatles (as well as superb production from George Harrison), he may have done better on another label, as the drama of the looming Beatles breakup had a negative effect on the promotion of other artists on the Apple roster.

I'm also a big fan of the simple, elegant graphic design of the Apple Records picture sleeves, and this one is a stellar example.

from 1969...

JACKIE LOMAX - (I) FALL INSIDE YOUR EYES

Monday, September 16, 2013

(RIP) JACKIE LOMAX - SOUR MILK SEA b/w THE EAGLE LAUGHS AT YOU


(originally posted 11/12/08)

One of the most soulful English voices of the '60's (and beyond) has passed away; you were fabulous, Jackie Lomax.

As part of the Mersey Beat scene, it's no surprise that Jackie Lomax and George Harrison rubbed shoulders early on in their careers (Jackie was in the Undertakers at the time). Jackie was one of the first artists signed to Apple Records, and his brilliant Apple album "Is This What You Want"  was produced by George Harrison, and all the Beatles except John Lennon appear on the record. The first single from that LP, "Sour Milk Sea" is stellar, but the b side is a CRACKING piece of psychedelic English soul (I recommend listening to 'The Eagle Laughs At You" first). Jackie released several other (some excellent) solo LP's (as well as a non-LP 45 on Apple), and was also a member of the groups Heavy Jelly and Badger in the '70's. Percy Sledge also notably covered Jackie's beautiful ballad 'I Fall Inside Your Eyes" in 2004.

from 1968...










JACKIE LOMAX - SOUR MILK SEA

b/w THE EAGLE LAUGHS AT YOU

Saturday, September 14, 2013

THE AMERICAN BREED - GREEN LIGHT

The American Breed are best known for their '67 worldwide smash hit "Bend Me Shape Me", and this Chicago based band wore their soul influence so well that they eventually evolved into funk superstars Rufus in the '70's.

"Green Light" was one of several follow up singles to "Bend", and while it made only a slight impression on the charts, is a fine example of an interracial group laying down some fantastic, stomping soul sounds on top of a catchy-veering-into-bubblegum territory song. Basically, a perfect single.

from 1968...

THE AMERICAN BREED - GREEN LIGHT

Friday, September 13, 2013

THE DAYLIGHTERS - OH MOM (TEACH ME HOW TO UNCLE WILLIE)


(originally posted 2/17/11)

I've been on a serious hard driving r&b kick lately, as evidenced by yesterday and today's posts.

This is one WILD record, from a group known more for smooth vocal harmonies. The Uncle Willie dance was a massive sensation in Chicago during '63-'64, and spawned many records related to the craze. Out of all of them that I've heard (I have a handful of them) this is by far my favorite and it's so much more EXTREME than the other Uncle Willie records! The Uncle Willie itself is a cool, simple step that involves shuffling the feet heel to toe; dancing the Uncle Willie to this song is sure to be a great way to lose weight and have fun in the process.

from 1964...

THE DAYLIGHTERS - OH MOM (TEACH ME HOW TO UNCLE WILLIE)

Thursday, September 12, 2013

MOSES & JOSHUA - GET OUT OF MY HEART b/w THEY DON'T WANT US TOGETHER

No, it's not a gospel record (although the duo name could easily leave that impression), and while there may not be any brimstone in the grooves, there's plenty of fire!

Moses is Moses Dillard, a very talented man who formed a touring r&b revue called The Dynamic Showmen in South Carolina while he was still a teenager c1963, and had a long career as both vocalist and hot shot session guitarist in Muscle Shoals.

By '66, he was paired up as a duo with James Moore ("Joshua") for a few singles released during '66-'68, of which this was their peak, in my opinion. "Get Out Of My Heart" is an uptempo stormer with some fabulous dual vocals, undoubtedly influenced by Sam & Dave; however, these two are not mere copyists as they perform with their own identities. The flip side, "They Don't Want Us Together" is a heart melting, gorgeous deep soul track that showcases the crooning ability of these fine singers.

from 1967...

MOSES & JOSHUA  - GET OUT OF MY HEART

b/w THEY DON'T WANT US TOGETHER


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

THE LOST WEEKEND - TROUBLE

The Lost Weekend were a group from Gary, IN (25min or so outside of Chicago) that are best known for their (minor hit) group harmony 45 "The Bridge Of Love". This side is something else entirely; a fuzz guitar leads a jazzy soul track (punctuated by driving congas), alongside the social commentary delivered by some top notch vocals.

from c1971...

THE LOST WEEKEND - TROUBLE

Monday, September 9, 2013

WILLIAM BELL - A TRIBUTE TO OTIS (A TRIBUTE TO A KING)

 Happy birthday, Otis Redding.

This record is one of the most heartfelt, soulful tributes ever cut to wax.

William Bell wrote this song days after Otis' tragic death in 1967 and sent it to Otis' widow Zelda more as a private message of sympathy. Legend has it that Zelda loved the track so much she insisted that Stax release it, immediately. Thankfully, they did.

The beautiful picture sleeve shown here is a French issue.

from 1968...

WILLIAM BELL - A TRIBUTE TO OTIS (A TRIBUTE TO A KING)